Councilman Chaim Deutsch and Area Elected Officials Blast MTA for Lack of Collaboration

Councilman Chaim Deutsch (D-Brooklyn), with the support of his colleagues in government, Senator Simcha Felder, Assemblyman Dov Hikind, and Assemblyman Steve Cymbrowitz, has blasted the MTA for proceeding with routine weekend track work that will close off a section of Avenue O between East 15th Street and East 16th Street to through traffic on Sunday, despite severe congestion implications.

Councilman Deutsch said: “It is irresponsible of the MTA to continue with non-emergency work that will result in serious traffic backups, despite an outcry from both the community and its elected officials. This Sunday is the last major shopping day for summer vacationers, children going to camp, and those who are preparing to travel for the summer. In addition, Avenue M from Ocean Avenue to East 13th Street will be closed for the annual Mardi Gras, an event that was pre-planned and permitted. This means that the MTA’s work on Avenue O will not allow for westbound traffic between Avenue L and Avenue P.

“Last weekend’s track work on Avenue N – during which Avenue M was OPEN – caused significant delays for motorists. This situation will be intensified this weekend, when factoring in the additional closure. The congestion caused by the indifference to this community is avoidable. Instead, the MTA has chosen to create a situation that will cause hardship, and will be dangerous when first responders cannot respond expeditiously to possibly life-threatening emergencies.

“I am furious that the MTA has once again demonstrated a lack of respect for this community. Not only is our mass transit unreliable in Southern Brooklyn, but now motorists are bearing the burden for the MTA’s lack of concern about our neighborhood. I intend to hold the MTA accountable for what has ultimately led to what promises to be serious traffic and unsafe conditions this weekend.”

Residents are encouraged to call and email the MTA & the Governor’s Office to express dissatisfaction with Sunday’s planned track work. Call 511 or visit mta.info and click “Contact Us.” Call the Governor’s Office at 518-474-8390 or visit governor.ny.gov/contact.